29 September 2017

No justification for threats against DoC staff

Statement from State Services Commissioner Peter Hughes

There is absolutely no justification for threats or unlawful acts that risk the lives of public servants working for New Zealand and New Zealanders.

Department of Conservation staff work to protect and preserve our native species, wild places and natural heritage. I know that the Director-General of Conservation and his staff have the support and confidence of the vast majority of New Zealanders, who recognise and value the important work they do.

Tampering with the vehicles of DoC staff and contractors puts them, their families and other road users in danger of a serious crash. And putting poison baits in mail boxes of private houses is clearly an attempt to intimidate.

This unacceptable behaviour is coming from a very small group of people and is rightly under police investigation.

Public servants deliver essential services and support to New Zealanders every day and they deserve to work in a safe environment where threats, abuse and violence are not tolerated.

ENDS

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